Skinny Girl Margaritas

So I am a HUGE Bethenny Frankel fan. Her show is hilarious and I think she is a hot mess of fantastic-ness - (It's a word....)! As much as Preston hates my Bravo reality shows this is one he will laugh at with me every once in a blue moon.

So it all started when my friend Julie told me that she had found my Christmas present and that we needed to go get it together so that I could buy her one too. She left it at that and I couldn't for the life of me guess what it could be. But I did not doubt her taste for a second, even when she told me that our shopping adventure would be at Wal Mart.  After 20 minutes of aimlessly wandering looking for the "gift" (she still wouldn't tell me what it was) we found it right up front. We were too busy gabbing to see it when we walked in.

When I saw that it was the Skinny Girl Face & Body gift set we totally did a little jump and screamed. Yep, screamed. One of our finer moments. :) I had no idea Mrs Frankel was coming out with this budget friendly line. The packaging and bottles are super cute. The funny (at least to us) part was that I had just Googled "Skinny Girl tee shirts" the week before in an attempt to find us something to wear with her logo. And obviously feel super cool while doing so. It was so much fun. I just love Julie. It was the best Wal Mart trip I've ever had.

Of course we took a picture

Basically the bottom line is this, we are super cool and will now smell like Sangria haha....

Xoxo

What was he thinking?!

OH Kayne West... I know you think you rule all. That you are invincible and that you are royalty. Not even Hollywood royalty, but ACTUAL royalty. But why, I repeat WHY do you think that you are SO cool that you can pull off this....

I'm sure Jay-Z told you to do your thing at the "Watch The Throne" concert in LA. But I doubt he was quite counting on you wearing a mumu with your face bedazzled onto it. The leather skirt is clearly a full on skirt as it poufs out the bottom half of the shirt. And someone should tell him that leather jeggins are much more flattering with heels. As proven below.

Now let's talk about a place where I LOVE leather.... on a trench. I'm drooling for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's trench on the right.

Xoxo

Christmas in New York

Well it's that time of year! Time for family, trees, decorations and lots of shopping for presents. This year it has been so fun to celebrate as a family with Preston. But I cannot help but miss how incredibly enchanting New York City is this time of year. Right about now I would be going on my annual walk down Fifth Avenue and through Herald Square to see the store windows. The amount of time and money that is spent on them is mind blowing. But when you look you cannot help but forget that it's cold and that you are tired. Because you are filled with child like glee. My favorite is always Bergdorf Goodman. They always combine their themes with amazing clothes. Preston and I always had the best time looking at the window displays and I love this shot I got there 2 years ago because you can see the buildings in the reflection.

Another great moment is viewing the tree at Rockefeller Center. Last year I made my way through the crowds, elbows out, with a few girl friends to watch the actual concert/lighting they always televise. We had to get there 3 hours early to be close enough to really see. I have never been colder. And good luck if you have to use the restroom. You are NOT getting back in. I won't lie I think we all doubted the decision to go until it started. The crowd was so excited and the tree and singing was so beautiful. It ended up being such a blast.

Then you throw in the fabulous parties, lots of friends and extra lights around the whole island and it is just simply the best time of year in the best place on Earth. I can honestly say I miss it the most I ever have this month. There is just really nothing like ice skating in Rockefeller Center or Central Park and drinking City Bakery's hot chocolate while you shop in Chelsea with your girls. If you ever have a chance to go during the Christmas season, take it!

Xoxo

Thanks and Giving

I just wanted to write a post about how fantastic this holiday season is kicking off. Preston and I were able to go to Seattle this past weekend to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and friends. Normally I return with 100+ pictures and my friends glad they can stop perma-smiling. This time I am sorry to say I was too distracted by the fun to take that many. But it was an amazing weekend and I left feeling full of gratitude.

I am so thankful for my parents. My Mom slaved away for days making the house and the dinner beyond perfection. She does everything with a touch of love. And my Father helps and is so sweet to her. They are such an example to Preston and I.

My amazing brother is a better example to me than I have ever been to him. He is so kind and such a good person. He made the flights and the weekend so much fun. To all you ladies out there: whoever ends up with him may just be the luckiest girl alive next to me :)

I am also thankful for our amazing friends the Ratinens and McOmbers. They are our "extended family" and the holidays just aren't the holidays without them. Here's our group...

We were also fortunate enough to get all of my "Priss Squad" ladies together. These girls are just the loves of my life. It never feels like any time has passed in between our visits. A night with them is a night full of laughing and fun.

The weekend went by way too fast. I already miss my hometown and the people there. But I got to come home with the person who I am most thankful for, my amazing husband. Preston is such a gem for letting me drag him around town all weekend. He also loves my family and friends which is something I am so thankful for in of itself. We will miss everyone, but we will be back in September when our beautiful friend Taryn gets married! Congrats to her and Tom.

Xoxo

More Fun Ideas....

I've been on a craft kick lately. That, and I have been wanting to learn new skills. So I have taken up knitting! My mother-in-law Margaret is a fantastic knitter. And I love the cute little baby sweaters and other gifts she makes for children. Every time a close friend has a baby I want to give something special and made with love. But I never knew what to make. So she has been teaching me how to knit. I know it's dorky to post these but I am just so proud. So here is my practice swatch from today...

The Pearl side

The Knit side

I think I'm ready for a pattern. Stay tuned for pictures of actual things :) It's been so fun and it is so relaxing to knit. It turns out it calms my mind which is usually going at 100 miles per hour. If you've ever wanted to learn I suggest you do!

Xoxo

Fun Ideas

I needed a way to store my makeup brushes better. Sharing a bathroom with a man and having one sink makes it so that glasses of them on my counter are not very logical. I stole this idea from a photo I saw on Pinterest where they used coffee beans. I used little glittery clear beads and I have been loving it! It's easy because I can just pull it in and out of my cabinet and it looks oh so pretty :) I might even tie a ribbon around it. It was much more fun to throw together than it probably should have been, but I highly recommend it.

This way brushes don't brush against each other and get messy. And they aren't making a carrying case smudgy with foundation. I got the glass and the beads on sale at Michaels for a total of $8. I love their 50% off coupons they send in the mail!

xoxo

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month! And to help raise some money and some awareness our Artistic Team at school did a makeover and photo shoot with a family of breast cancer survivors. We had the opportunity to meet a Grandmother, Mother and daughter who were survivors. They were the sweetest family and talking to them about their experience was one of the more touching and uplifting experiences I have had in a while. I cannot imagine going through something like this, and then to go through it with other family members. But they had the most fantastic attitudes and were the happiest family! It really helped me to feel blessed and thankful for my health. It also helped drive home the importance of getting screened annually as recommended.  

Our group shot

A few days later I had a client come in for highlights. She was a very smiley woman, about 50 years old, who sat down in my chair and proceeded to tell me that she had survived breast cancer. Through the process she had lost all of her hair and it had finally grown back enough to be able to get it colored. It was still very thin so I had to keep a close eye on it. But I gave her a beautiful cool blond throughout her hair. When we finished she looked in the mirror and started to cry. She told me she hadn't felt beautiful for years and this was the first time she felt like a woman again, and that she thought she looked beautiful. I don't cry often but I got a bit misty eyed. I really didn't do much, but she was so happy I couldn't help but feel happiness and pride. 50 is so young! As women we need to be diligent and educated about our health. Go get screened! I have a few new friends who would strongly recommend it.

xoxo

Arrested Development

It was Sunday night at the Thomas household and I was doing my nightly scan of EOnline.com when I came across some wonderful news...

Me: BABE! You are going to be so excited!!
Preston (knowing what site I am on): What?? Did Rosie O'Donnell die??
Me: UUUuummmmm no, Arrested Development is coming back!

It's almost too good to be true. Arrested Development is coming back!! They are making a mini-season of 10 episodes that will air early '13. Read the story HERE . I LOVE this show. And rumors have emerged several times that it may be coming back. But I just may let myself believe this one. The first time this show came on the air America was too dumb for it (I'll apologize now for that comment although it is true) And now that The Office has had a good run, and we were given 30 Rock through the genius that is Tina Fey, I believe the majority of the country has caught up, and this time it will receive the ratings it deserves.

For all of you non-fans run, don't walk, and rent the series now so you will be caught up. Anyone else as excited as me? Sound off in the comments....

xoxo

Knowledge for my Daughter

No we are not preggo :) But I've had a lot on my mind lately about what it means to be a woman. And I have a little rant saved up that I decided to share. A dear friend asked me this past week what I thought my greatest life lesson has been thus far. I'm surprised it didn't take me long to answer but I knew immediately what my lesson was. I answered that it was to not waste life being self conscious about the way I looked or who I was. I kind of cringe when I think of how self conscious I was in High School and in College. And for what?! A total waste of energy. Once I accepted myself, including all of my faults, I really started to enjoy life, I fell in love, and I figured out what I really want to do. I honestly attribute ALL of that to confidence. Now don't get me wrong, I am far from thinking I am perfect. I am a FAR cry from gracing the "hottest 30 people under 30" list or Forbes "most successful people". But I realized that I celebrated other people's differences, loved diversity and found other cultures deliciously fabulous without celebrating my OWN differences, diversity and cultural influences. Sounds stupid written out doesn't it?

I have to say that I think I learned this lesson from other women. My friends are inherently much better people than I am. I'm not sure why they hang out with me sometimes other than the fact that I am filled with wonderful knowledge on the following topics: reality tv, plastic surgery, bras & who's dating who in Hollywood. All very useful things, obviously. ..

So I will continually pray that if I do have a daughter she will be blessed with friends like mine. Strong, independent women who are beautiful and funny and happy with themselves. Who say fantastic things like "why do women say they are waiting for their white knight on a horse to come rescue them? Go buy your own damn horse and take yourself where you want to be" (this is an actual quote from my beloved friend whom I will not name because I did not ask permission to type it here)

One thing I want to make sure is clear, I LOVE MEN and my husband makes my life 100x better. He is pretty much the bomb.com and I never want to ever be without him. Not because I COULDN'T be but because I don't WANT to be without him. HOWEVER I know that my ability to be a good wife, homemaker and eventually a mother is enhanced a million fold by my happiness within and with myself. And that we have to love and support each other as women.

To polish off this post I want to include a few hilarious quotes from Tina Fey's book "Bossypants" because I seriously <3 her and she is a fantastic example of the above attributes and also of advocating women support each other. Because I am telling you, the less we tear each other down, the less room anyone else has to tear us down as well.

“Obviously, as an adult I realize this girl-on-girl sabotage is the third worst kind of female behavior, right behind saying "like" all the time and leaving your baby in a dumpster.”

 

“But I think the first real change in women’s body image came when JLo turned it butt-style. That was the first time that having a large-scale situation in the back was part of mainstream American beauty. Girls wanted butts now. Men were free to admit that they had always enjoyed them. And then, what felt like moments later, boom—Beyoncé brought the leg meat. A back porch and thick muscular legs were now widely admired. And from that day forward, women embraced their diversity and realized that all shapes and sizes are beautiful. Ah ha ha. No. I’m totally messing with you. All Beyonce and JLo have done is add to the laundry list of attributes women must have to qualify as beautiful. Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes.”

 

xoxo

9/11/2001

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since 9/11/2001. I can still remember exactly where I was, as I'm sure everyone does. I was a sophomore in high school and I was getting ready for early morning seminary, which is a before-school program my church has for youth in high school. I was listening to the radio as I did every morning on 106.1 with Jackie and Bender. (Who I cannot believe are still the early morning hosts for the Seattle station) When they made the announcement I really didn't understand the significance. I was doing my makeup at my vanity set when they cut to a broadcast by CNN. As realization sunk in that it was an actual terrorist attack I ran into my parent's bathroom where my Mom was doing her makeup and I said "MOM a plane just crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City and they think it was an attack on our country" I'm not sure why I remember that exact sentence but my Mom started expressing concern and flipping her radio to hear the newscast.

I went to Seminary and then to school a bit stunned. I was naive and young and confused. Wars didn't happen or start in my generation. That was supposed to be something that only my Grandparents lived through. In every class we did a little work and then ended up watching the news. Kids with family in New York were pulled out early and my girl friends and I stuck together that whole day. We had plans that night to go to the Puyallup Fair and decided to still go. We had fun that night. We rode rides, took the picture on the oversized chair that they put on a button for you, played games and saw friends. I'm glad we still went. I was so confused and shocked that it took my mind off the crisis a bit and at the same time made me so thankful for my friends and for my family. I think everyone felt an overwhelming sensation of love for each other. To this day I'm proud of how the country pulled together. I will never forget the sight of so many American Flags hung high on houses and buildings.

Now I'm not so naive or confused. I almost wish I still was. There's a lot of sadness that resulted in this attack. But I truly feel that the message of love and supporting each other is the thing that rises above. And the thing I pray we all continue to take from what happened. I'm so blessed to live in this great country. I love it so much and I love my fellow man. I can never express the gratitude that I feel for our armed forces. Because I live in freedom with my beautiful family, perfect husband and fantastic friends. I am blessed.


xoxo

Happy Birthday Preston

My handsome husband had his birthday on August 30th. I would tell you how old he turned but he's hilarious about birthdays and has celebrated his 25th for the last few years...

To kick off his celebration week we went with his family to ride the Alpine Coaster. My beautiful sister in law Brenda and my brother in law Adam also have their birthdays the same week as Preston so it was fun to all get together for one big party. I had never been on the coaster before and I LOVED it. They let Preston and I ride together (insert joke about my height here) which made it more fun because our weight made the car go super fast.

Credit for this outing go to Preston's parents. They are so good at getting the family together. I love how often we get to hang out with family.

The birthday boys

Divine cake from Market Street

The lovely birthday girl

It was such a great night followed by some mini-golf. I didn't win but I didn't loose either (obviously my score was totally accurate. I never kicked it in or took do-overs....never)

On Preston's actual birthday I surprised him on my lunch break with an embarrassing display of balloons and cookies for his office. IT IS HARD to hide things from someone when you live with them. I had to bake and cool the cookies the day before while he was at work so I could stash them in containers in my car. His gifts were put in our guest room and I forbade him to enter. I don't know how I'll ever hide Christmas items. I made his favorite dinner and had gifts and a card for him. I wish I took a picture of it because I made it all look very festive (good job me).

To finish up the week I took him to the annual Brazilian festival in Salt Lake City. This is the only picture I took. He's enjoying one of his favorite Brazilian foods. Which I found delicious. It's a fried ball of shredded chicken goodness. Preston loves Brazil and it was fun for me to have him show me his favorite things he ate there and for us to watch the dancers and performers.

We had a fantastic week together. I love birthdays so it was fun for me to plan it all. Preston is such a gem. Never did I ever think I would get so lucky! Happy birthday to my amazing husband.

xoxo

Hurricane Irene

I have to say that while I have been very worried about all my loved ones on the East Coast more than anything all this talk has made me extremely home sick for the big city. My side note being that this hurricane has the same name as my Grandma Gabriel in upstate New York. And I find it very appropriate as she has proved herself a force to be reckoned with lately overcoming so much these past months.

My regret is that I didn't start this blog the second I moved to New York. Because I feel like every day I said to myself "DO NOT FORGET HOW FANTASTIC THIS MOMENT IS!" and now I am sad to say, I could never remember all the moments I said this about. So I thought I would start writing a few memories here and there and that I would share a story about when I made a total fool of myself in front of someone famous. Which I can assure you happened several times...

I was walking out of the Manhattan Temple after a ward temple night towards the bus stop across the street and was chatting away with my Mom. It was a slightly chilly night but the Temple and Lincoln Center across from it were so beautifully lit up I didn't mind. I looked over to see the couple about to pass me and it was Maggie Gyllenhaal with her husband Peter Sarsgaard. I was caught a bit by surprise, and anyone who knows me can tell you I LOVE pop culture and so running into famous people pretty much makes my day. Without thinking I whispered into my phone "I am walking next to MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL" . My whisper was obviously NOT a whisper because she looked over at me, gave a little laugh and a small wave and kept walking. Of course as she walked away I said "oops and she just heard me" into my phone, again, not quite. Which made her laugh even more although by then she was ahead of me and off on their way.

I felt pretty stupid but I like to think I made her night a bit entertaining. My sweet mother is not so into movies and pop culture so I had to explain that Maggie was the girl in the latest Batman flick since I knew she had seen it. Overall it was a moment where you could definitely say, "...only in New York"


xoxo

Salt Lake County Fair

So I have been wanting to get together with family ever since things from our wedding settled down. But an apartment is not conducive to having a lot of people over. So I invited all of my cousins here from my Mom's side to come to the Salt Lake County Fair with us. It's in South Jordan which is a central location for where we all live and I knew the kids would love it. I couldn't believe that everyone told me they could come within half an hour of me sending out the invite! I thought schedules would make it harder than that. We got lucky and had an amazing time. Here are some pictures from the day. My favorite moment was when Gabe won a prized Goldfish. All the kids AND Bart were trying for it and when Gabe sunk the winning ball I have never seen a more exuberant celebration of jumping and screaming. I'm making it a goal to get us together again soon.

Carly was so good and adorable the whole time

Sophie wasn't very into this ride once it got started 

The ladies! My cousins are all beautiful.

After winning a goldfish

<3 Our whole group <3

Four Nights...

...that's how long it took me to watch ALL 3 HOURS of Bachelor Pad off my DVR. I didn't watch last season so someone needs to tell me now if they are all that long so I can mentally prepare. How do people without DVR/TiVo have time to watch this?? (I realize the irony as I watch a lot of reality TV) But after indulging in this fantastically awful program I cannot contain my comments on the drama and overall ridiculousness to which I will surely become addicted.

First of all anytime a show is created in which The Bachelor is combined with Real World/Road Rules challenge you know it's going to be good. They picked a group more suited for explosions than I could have imagined. We have ex-fiances, ex-boyfriends, rivals, and people who drink too much (oh wait, that's all of them)

I heart Michael! I met him in Atlantic City while I was there for my friend Michelle's bachelorette party. My heart goes out to him since his ex-fiance Holly is not only on it, but totally all over another dude. Chin up Michael, you can do better! Holly is far too giggly for my taste.

Super bad picture of me, but isn't he cute!

AHHH Erica Rose aka "The Princess". Darling, it is not cute to wear a tiara when you are serious about it. And as much as I am entertained by your prissy neediness, all I can think of when I see you in all your glitter is "Man Voice" Click Here and watch for a few seconds at 2:04. OH MY.

But let's get down to the real hot topic! Jake vs Vienna and Casey. Vienna, you are a beast. And if you are so concerned with people thinking you aren't nice then stop saying incriminating things on camera. How has this concept not caught on?! Poor Casey got yelled at like 100x and it's only the first episode. And seriously, if you cry one more time I will not be able to control the giant eye roll I will be sending through my TV. Get a grip chica. I'm not saying I'm a Jake fan, but you make it too easy for your critics, like me.

On a final note I just have to say that Gia is seriously beautiful. Her and Mila Kunis are totally my girl crushes.


xoxo

More deal sites!

I'm addicted to Hautelook.com. They've really been hitting home runs lately with their sales. And the other two are new to me! My friend Julie showed me these amazing sites including one for kids for you Mommies. Click here to sign up. The links lead to an invite to join...

 http://www.hautelook.com/invite/KLomeli838


https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/kambria


http://www.zulily.com/invite/klomeli226


Happy shopping!


xoxo

I flew!

We went boating with some of our good friends last weekend and tried Wake boarding for the first time. Preston is already a very good water skier so I knew he would do well but I won't lie I was totally bitter he did so great. I have never done either and I sucked. I got up a couple times but only lasted a few seconds. My first run I got picked up, flew through the air and face planted it in the water. It was very graceful. Here's a shot from the day. Ignore my fabulously wet and frizzy hair. We had a blast and I cannot wait to try it again.

Nick and Vanessa

So I finally found time to sit down and watch Nick and Vanessa's wedding special on TLC off my TiVo. I think they are totally adorable and watching them plan made me want to plan a wedding again. It especially made me want to try on wedding dresses. But when I voiced this, Preston gave me a very stern "no!" lol So I don't think a one-year vow renewal is up for discussion :)

It made me think of some of my favorite moments of our wedding and I thought I would write them down so I wouldn't forget them. So here are my top 10 in random order....

1. Wedding dress shopping! I am probably the only girl who is obsessed with fashion and yet picked her dress in an hour and a half. Found, bought and sent to the alterations department within an hour and a half. I had tried on a few dresses in Seattle with my beautiful bridesmaid Megan. And then when I got to Utah my Mom and bridesmaid Rachel flew in to do the serious dress shopping. I almost felt bad it didn't last very long! I never once thought I made the wrong choice. And the people around me made it so fun.

2. Taking our engagements in NYC was amazing. My photographer Shannon (http://www.shannonelizabethphoto.com) flew with us back to the city where we fell in love. It was FREEZING. In between shots I was in Uggs and a huge coat. At the end of each day I was a frozen ice block. People ran into poles, garbage cans and each other because they were walking and watching us, which caused a lot of photos with genuine laughter. And my sweet husband was a trooper for taking pictures for two days straight. We ran on no sleep because we went out both nights seeing friends, but it was worth it.

3. SOoooo let's talk labels. All of our tables were named after NY landmarks. So each table had a black and white 5x7 shot of a landmark accompanied by a place card label so people knew what the landmark's name was. Two days before the wedding I still needed to print out these labels. I had gotten pretty place cards that were print-ready and ASSUMED it would be easy... well you know what they say about assuming something. Rachel and I spent about two hours in the Hilton Office Center trying to get these printed right. Which doesn't speak well for two past administrative assistants. The printer broke, then went crazy and used a different paper tray every time it printed. THEN people came into the office center and their print jobs printed on my paper. It was a mess. And we were laughing so hard the whole time we nearly peed our pants. But as I live and breath they ended up coming out perfect!

4. The taste test was one of the most fun moments of planning. My Mom was still in town from dress shopping so she was coming with us to the Hilton to taste the Lebanese menu I had given them to prepare. Sadly, Preston had a very important meeting run overtime so he had to call me last minute and tell me he wouldn't make it. I was so sad! But the tasting went amazing. The chef had gone to a few Lebanese restaurants to research the cooking style. And they served us like we were royalty. When they heard Preston wasn't going to make it they packed up a taste of everything for me to take home to him. I was so glad because I wanted him to be able to be a part of it. And my sweet Lebanese Mom was hysterical telling an award winning chef that his parsley to romaine lettuce ratio was off. But I'm glad she did because it came out phenomenal on the big day.

5. Preston and I met with our DJ a month before our wedding to go over song lists and styles. I think we cracked him up. On our request list was a compilation of Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, 80's hair rock and Black Eyed Peas. I also told him that if he played any song that had an organized dance attached to it he would immediately be asked to leave the premises. He did an amazing job. And he helped with the transition from him to our Mariachi band so that it went smoothly. If anyone needs a fantastic DJ recommendation I have one!

6. I was in love with registering. Preston and I have very similar taste and when it came to the kitchen he smiled and agreed with me on appliance choices. We registered at both Pottery Barn and Bed, Bath & Beyond before 1:00 on a Saturday. Which I think is another record. He was such a stud about it. Although my favorite part was watching Preston realize how much a nice, big pan costs :) It also made for good amusement for several shoppers around us.

7. Getting ready the morning of our wedding was fantastic. I had my bridesmaids and Mom around me while my BFF/hair stylist Whitney did my hair. The women who mean the most to me were all in the same room. It was filled with sleepy laughter and lots of love. And I remember being so excited to see Preston and filled with anticipation. I could not wait to get to the Temple.

8. Everyone told me that the 2 most forgotten things on a wedding day were the rings and passports. So I spent a lot of energy reminding patient Preston NOT TO FORGET THE RINGS OR HIS PASSPORT! As I'm getting ready to go to bed the night before (it's 12:30am) I realize I forgot MY passport at our new apartment. We were all staying at the Hilton so we were downtown. I get my Dad and Brother back up from the hotel gym and say "WELL.... the good news is I remembered now and not as I was leaving for the airport.... BUT the bad news is my passport is at our apartment" Bless my Dad's heart he drove me right down to find it among the unpacked boxes. So we didn't end up going to bed until 2:30am!

9. At our rehearsal dinner Preston's Dad unexpectedly called Preston and I up to say a few words after the toasts. I was up first and I was totally unprepared. If I know I am going to do something like this I prepare myself and I DO NOT CRY. But I was filled with so much love I totally lost it. I have cried like 2x in front of people since high school and so I was MORTIFIED. I didn't say what I wanted to about how much I loved Preston. And then broke down when I spoke about my bridesmaids. Most of them flew from several different states and I love them as though they were my flesh and blood sisters. I would have preferred to have planned out my words and not have cried like an idiot. But overall the night was beautiful.

10. Last but certainly not least was when Preston saw me in my dress for the first time. I turned a corner in the Temple and actually didn't know he was around the other side. So I knew his face was genuine. I said something very romantic like "Oh hi, you're here!" and he just looked so happy. I felt so beautiful. He told me my dress was the most beautiful dress every made and he loved it. He was such a sweet heart and commented on my jewelry, veil and shoes as well. And made me spin around a couple times. So much of what you plan has to do with your own appearance. And I felt like I did good! Plus he looked so handsome in his tux. I was totally proud of my trophy husband :)


xoxo

My Shopping Secrets

These aren't really secrets, but I'm a deal hunter and a trend lover. And I'm always asked how I find things for such a great deal. So here is a random and out of order list of some of my go-to places to shop online - the best deals are online!

1. If you aren't already on Groupon you need to go here and sign up. It's a site that e-mails you daily deals. I've bought a $50 gift card to Nordstom on here before for only $20... it's amazing.

 

2. Asos.com ~ my bridesmaids' dresses were from this site as were their shoes. The dresses were under $70! It's a British store who just launched their USA site. 

 

3. Modcloth.com ~ they have a "longer lengths" tab to the right and so far all my dresses from that tab are a perfect length for being modest.

 

4. People.com and click "Style" at the top. They have a section on their style page where they put together looks celebrities have for less and I have bought lots of pieces through their finds. It's nice because they find the trend for you for much less than the designer price tag.

 

5. RueLaLa.com! You have to be "invited" to join these you can't just go there and sign up. But they are daily deal sites. They e-mail you once a day with what is on sale. Everything is only on sale for one day and then a new sale starts the next day. They have all designer items. I bought a pair of $280 Rock n Republic jeans for $65. And got my Mom's Christmas present, a Calvin Klein purse which retails at $300 for $40.... yes, $40. It was amazing. Go here to sign up: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/klomeli

 

6. Zappos.com is one I love for shoes because they never charge you shipping or return fees.

 

7. Zappos.com has a "sister" site not a lot of people know about 6pm.com that has huge reductions on shoes. They're owned by the same company but they don't advertise 6pm.com hardly at all. I've found steals there often.

 

8. If you shop at DSW use their web site! If you sign up for the free rewards program you always get free standard shipping and they send you $10 certificates for spending a certain amount. But I always feel like they send them a lot. It's not like other programs where you have to spend a TON to get $10. They have a nice system.

 

9. MyStyle.com has a section where you can click on an individual celebrity to shop cheaper versions of their style. So you can find your style icons and specifically look at deal items that are similar to something they have worn.

 

10. BetterWorldBooks.com is a book site I LOVE. Books are donated by people, libraries and stores and sold for anywhere from $2-$10 and are VERY gently used. My favorite part is that no matter how many you order it ships for $1 and is sent carbon footprint free. An added bonus? All proceeds go to helping literacy! 

 

11. Use the "shopping" search tab on Google.com. If you find an item say on Nordstom.com that you love type in the exact item name and shopping search it. I have saved $20-$150 dollars doing this and finding it at a random site or store for less.

 

12. Even then before you buy anywhere on any site Google promo codes. So if you find something cute on jcrew.com google "Jcrew Promo Codes" I can usually find at least a free shipping code on one of the millions of promo code web sites that will pop up. Mostly because all of the free shipping or 10% off codes they send their credit card members etc will make their way online. So you can find the codes they send to specific customers and use them yourself!

Happy Shopping...

xoxo

Preston sure knows his audience

So as most of my friends know, I LOVE my birthday. I have never been one of those girls who hates aging. I think it's because my Mom and Dad still seem so young and have never minded themselves. So as always, I was looking forward to my 26th birthday. And for my new favorite number to become 26! (Since it always coordinates with my age)

Preston has always been very good at birthdays and Christmas. So our night started with Preston giving me my first present, a new pair of black pumps. I have been needing and wanting cute basic black pumps for a while. And he picked them out himself! I couldn't have done a better job. 5 inch heels - hidden platform - beautifully shaped toe with a slight point - super comfortable - black patent leather. I wore them that night...

Then we went to dinner at Tuscany in Salt Lake. I pretty much live for carbs. So Italian food is my favorite. And I was in love with their home-made pastas and delicious sauces. You could taste how fresh everything was. And since the other thing I live for is chocolate, my beautiful dessert was a cherry on the night.

So far we have shoes, carbs & chocolate with my handsome husband. I would say the night was at an A +++ and couldn't get better. And then he brought out the big guns and gave me my other present. There is a Marc Jacobs watch I have been drooling over for a couple of years. And he was all sneaky and found out which one it was in the collection. This is a genuine face of surprise and excitement in this next picture. Aaaand I'm a brat and love that my ring produced a streak of shine...

I stole this picture from Nordstrom.com :)

I am a lucky, lucky girl. So muchas gracias to my amazing husband for making my birthday fantastic!

xoxo

Hair School

Well folks I have given up on Corporate America! Quite frankly I do not wish to ever work in it again. I've ALWAYS wanted to go to cosmetology school. And I am finally doing it! All I can say is that finally doing what I want to do it thanks to my supportive husband who pushed me to start and convinced me it was ok to not be working so that I can do something I love when I'm done.

So far I'm obsessed with classes. It's an interesting dynamic and a lot of age range but the gals I'm in school with are all very sweet and my freshman instructor is amazing. She's so kind, patient and super cute (let's be honest I like cute-ness).

A few revelations I have had are that...

1. Perms BLOW. Anyone who gets a perm and thinks that their hair stylist likes them is wrong. They hate you. Because quite frankly they are the worst things ever to do. :)

2. I LOVE weaving. Some things are harder than I thought and others come easier. This is one thing I can say I loved learning and was naturally good at. And since color is where the $$bling$$ is I am fine with this skill. Bragging moment - My instructor said I did such a great job and asked if I had done weaving before.

AND 3. After this picture I can show you that our "Manakin" heads we work with are creepy. I put my extra head on the top of our coat closet and forgot about it. I went to grab an umbrella over the weekend and literally screamed and jumped out of my skin. It had scared the crap out of me. I will never get used to them lying around my house and car. We use these for the first 7 weeks while we learn and then we graduate from "Freshman" and go on the floor as "Juniors" to start working on real clients. I don't know why they skip the "Sophmore" title but so far these first 3 weeks have FLOWN. I can't believe I'm almost half way done.

I'm very excited to be in school. All I want to do is people's hair and makeup all day. I want to make people pretty and feel good about how they look. 3 weeks down, 11 months and 1 week to go!

xoxo

Easiest Frosting You've Ever Made

So I LOVE holidays and I also love baking. So for the 4th of July I made my Red, White and Blue cookies. I've made these a couple times lately and at one event I had multiple people ask me for the frosting recipe. And a few people asked me for it on Facebook. So are you ready for the most creamy, yummy and not-too sweet frosting ever?????

1 8oz Package of Cream Cheese
1 Small Lemon's Zest
3 cups Powdered Sugar


No you did not read wrong, that's it!!!! I love easy things that taste amazing. It has a slight lemon taste and comes out super creamy and delicious. Just spread it on sugar cookies and decorate them with berries. They are always a hit.

xoxo

Ohhhh Utah...

This store pretty much sums up everything that's wrong in Utah. All of the Ed Hardy, Affliction and clothing from the Buckle makes me want to rip out my eyes sometimes.... Seriously people what are you thinking?!?!? Men should not have jewel studded jeans!

So much bedazzled, stitched, branded and gody apparel.. It. Makes. Me. Sad.


That is all...
xoxo

Happy National Best Friend's Day

It's National Best Friend's day! And as someone who has been beyond blessed with amazing friends I thought it would be appropriate to blog about my beautiful chicas and wonderful hubby...

Who stays friends with 8 other girls their whole lives?! We may not all live close to each other anymore, or talk every day like in High School, but these girls are the loves of my life. I'm so glad we're all still friends.

The last time ALL 9 of us were together - I'm still mad that some girl stuck her head in this one haha

At my WA Bridal Shower

We're so little!

At my 14th Birthday

Happy Best Friend's day to my amazing and gorgeous Priss Squad ladies!

Then I went to Utah for school and found lifelong friends I know I will always be able to depend on. They saw me through the crazy college years and we grew up together being on our own for the first time.

Old roommies

My crouton

<3

Happy Best Friend's day to my college besties!

I was only in New York for 2 years but can absolutely say that I love and adore my best friends out there. I miss them every day! I had some of my best memories with these fantastic women. They've taught me so much, which sounds cheesy but it's so true. We were meant to be in each other's lives.

At my NY Bachelorette party which I loved 

On our Rhode Island trip

Happy Best Friend's day to my girls in New York!

And then of course there is my handsome and amazing husband. Who is truly the best friend and husband in the world. He is so supportive and loving. I'm a lucky gal.

I cannot imagine a life without these women and without my man. Words cannot express how blessed I feel and how much love I have for them!

The Gold Dress

For Preston's and my rehearsal dinner I wore the most amazing gold dress. The fabric has a very intricate and small design and it is light and shimmery. But my favorite part about this dress is that it was my Grandma Gabriel's and it is from when she was a young adult in Lebanon.

One of my besties/bridesmaids

When I lived in NYC I was able to go visit them a few times where they live in upstate NY. Which I loved because growing up in Washington state we were not able to visit them as often as we would have liked. And one of my favorite things to do there is pour through old pictures. In case you haven't noticed from my 8 million pictures on Facebook, I have a bit of a picture obsession. It's my form of journaling. My Grandma has always been beautiful. And being a fashion follower I just adore looking at her old dresses, hats and shoes in these pictures. So I was delighted when she gave me this dress and another beaded number from the 1960s I had always admired in the photos. 

It was an honor to accept these gifts! I treasure them more than she will ever know. And this dress felt extra special coming from the "old country" (as they call it) and being so full of memories and heritage. It was my "something old" for my wedding. And in my own way wearing it was a tribute to where we came from. It was very important to me to incorporate my heritage into the wedding because it is treasured on both sides of my family. 

I didn't get a picture of just me and Preston. But this shot is a picture of my extended family :) My priss squad ladies and our handsome men. It was amazing having my sisters there with me. 

Love them

I know that the groomsmen are actually Preston's best friends but I just love these guys. Eli and Shane are two of my favorites. So many of our close friends flew and drove in from different states and it would not have been the same without them.

Handsome Groomsmen

The Athey's and The Thomas'

It was such a fun rehearsal dinner. Preston's parents threw us an amazing evening of yummy food and lots of memorable moments thanks to the many family members and friends who got up to say a few words.

Our cute Moms

xoxo